Touch detective device and display device with the same

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, a touch detection device includes first detection electrodes in a detection area, second detection electrodes in the detection area, extending to intersect the first detection electrodes, first control lines connected to the first detection electrodes, respectively, and provided in a non-detection area, and second control lines connected to the second detection electrodes, respectively, and provided in the non-detection area. The second control lines overlap the first control lines at a plurality of positions as seen in plan view, such that areas of overlapping portions in which the first control lines overlap the second control lines are substantially equalized.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/799,306, filed on Oct. 31, 2017, which application is based upon andclaims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No.2016-220739, filed Nov. 11, 2016, the entire contents of each of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a touch detectiondevice and a display device comprising the same.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, as the interface of a display device, a touch sensor(touch detection device) has been used. The touch sensor comprises aplurality of first detection electrodes provided in a detection area. Aplurality of first lines connected to the first detection electrodes,respectively, are provided in an outer area (frame area) located outsidethe detection area.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally relates to a touch detection device anda display device comprising the same.

According to one embodiment, a touch detection device includes firstdetection electrodes in a detection area, second detection electrodes inthe detection area, extending to intersect the first detectionelectrodes, first control lines connected to the first detectionelectrodes, respectively, and provided in a non-detection area, andsecond control lines connected to the second detection electrodes,respectively, and provided in the non-detection area. The second controllines overlap the first control lines at a plurality of positions asseen in plan view, such that areas of overlapping portions in which thefirst control lines overlap the second control lines are substantiallyequalized.

Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will beapparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to afirst embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a touch detection device(touch sensor) provided in the display device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of a Tx drivecircuit provided in the touch sensor.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the timing for driving the touchsensor.

FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing the layout structure offirst control lines and second control lines between switches and a Txscanner in the Tx drive circuit.

FIG. 6A is the cross-sectional view of the display panel taken along theline B-B of FIG. 5.

FIG. 6B is the cross-sectional view of the control lines taken along theline B-B of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing the layout structure ofsignal lines provided in a non-display area provided in a firstsubstrate.

FIG. 8A is a plan view schematically showing the layout structure of thefirst and second control lines in the Tx drive circuit of the touchdetection device according to a first modification example.

FIG. 8B is the cross-sectional view of the control lines taken along theline C-C of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a plan view schematically showing the layout structure of thefirst and second control lines in the Tx drive circuit of the touchdetection device according to a second modification example.

FIG. 9B is the cross-sectional view of the control lines taken along theline D-D of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a plan view schematically showing the layout structure ofthe first and second control lines in the Tx drive circuit of the touchdetection device according to a third modification example.

FIG. 10B is the cross-sectional view of the control lines taken alongthe line E-E of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a plan view schematically showing the layout structure ofthe first and second control lines in the Tx drive circuit of the touchdetection device according to a fourth modification example.

FIG. 11B is the cross-sectional view of the layout structure taken alongthe line F-F of FIG. 11A according to the fourth modification example.

FIG. 12 is a plan view schematically showing the layout structure of thefirst and second control lines in the Tx drive circuit of the touchdetection device according to a fifth modification example.

FIG. 13 is a plan view schematically showing the layout structure of thefirst and second control lines in the Tx drive circuit of the touchdetection device according to a sixth modification example.

FIG. 14 is the cross-sectional view of the layout structure taken alongthe line G-G of FIG. 13 according to the sixth modification example.

FIG. 15 is a plan view schematically showing the electrode structure andthe line structure of a touch detection device in a display deviceaccording to a second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the linestructure according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a plan view schematically showing a seventh modificationexample of the line structure according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a plan view schematically showing an eighth modificationexample of the line structure according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a display device and a touchdetection device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a plan view schematically showing the electrode structure andthe line structure of the touch detection device according to the thirdembodiment.

FIG. 21 is a plan view schematically showing a ninth modificationexample of the line structure according to the third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be described hereinafter with reference to theaccompanying drawings. In general, according to one embodiment, a touchdetection device comprises: a plurality of first detection electrodes ina detection area; a plurality of second detection electrodes in thedetection area, extending so as to intersect the first detectionelectrodes; an insulating layer between the first detection electrodesand the second detection electrodes; a plurality of first control linesconnected to the first detection electrodes, respectively, and providedin a non-detection area; and a plurality of second control linesconnected to the second detection electrodes, respectively, and providedin the non-detection area, and the second control lines overlapping thefirst control lines at a plurality of positions as seen in plan view,such that areas of overlapping portions in which the first control linesoverlap the second control lines are substantially equalized.

The disclosure is merely an example, and proper changes in keeping withthe spirit of the invention, which are easily conceivable by a person ofordinary skill in the art, come within the scope of the invention as amatter of course. In addition, in some cases, in order to make thedescription clearer, the widths, thicknesses, shapes, etc., of therespective parts are illustrated schematically in the drawings, ratherthan as an accurate representation of what is implemented. However, suchschematic illustration is merely exemplary, and in no way restricts theinterpretation of the invention. In addition, in the specification anddrawings, the same elements as those described in connection withpreceding drawings are denoted by like reference numbers, and detaileddescription thereof is omitted unless necessary.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a display deviceaccording to a first embodiment.

As an example of a display device 10, a liquid crystal display device isexplained. The display device 10 can be used by incorporating it intovarious electronic devices such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, amobile phone, a notebook computer, a portable game console, a videocamera, an electronic dictionary, a vehicle-mounted device or atelevision receiver. The main structures disclosed in the presentembodiment may be applied to a self-luminous display device comprisingan organic electroluminescent display element, etc., an electronicpaper-type display device comprising a cataphoretic element, a displaydevice to which micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) are applied, or adisplay device to which electrochromism is applied.

As shown in FIG. 1, the display device 10 comprises an active-matrixdisplay panel (liquid crystal display panel) 12, a driver IC chip(driver element) 14 which drives the display panel 12, a touch sensor(touch detection device) 16 which detects the proximity or contact of anobject such as a finger, a touch control IC (driver element) 18 whichdrives the touch sensor 16, and a first flexible printed circuit board(FPC) 20 and a second flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 22 connectedto the display panel 12. The driver IC chip 14 is mounted on the displaypanel 12. For example, the touch control IC 18 is mounted on the secondFPC 22, and is connected to the first FPC 20 and the driver IC chip 14via a connector 24.

The display panel 12 comprises a first substrate (array substrate) SUB1shaped in a rectangular flat plate, a second substrate(counter-substrate) SUB2 facing the first substrate SUB1 and shaped in arectangular flat plate, and a liquid crystal layer (the liquid crystallayer LQ described later) held between the first substrate SUB1 and thesecond substrate SUB2. Each of the first and second substrates SUB1 andSUB2 is formed of, for example, an insulating substrate (insulatinglayer) having a light transmitting property, such as a glass substrateor a resinous substrate. The first substrate SUB1 is attached to thesecond substrate SUB2 with a sealing material SE in a state where apredetermined cell gap is defined between these substrates. The liquidcrystal layer LQ is held in the internal space surrounded by the sealingmaterial SE in the cell gap between the first substrate SUB1 and thesecond substrate SUB2.

The display panel 12 comprises a display area DA for displaying an imageand a non-display area ED surrounding the display area DA and shapedlike a frame inside the sealing material SE as seen in plan view(hereinafter indicating a state in which the display panel 12 is seen ina direction perpendicular to the display panel). In the presentembodiment, the display area DA also functions as a touch detection areafor detecting the proximity and touch of a finger, etc. The non-displayarea ED also functions as a non-detection area.

The display panel 12 comprises a plurality of pixels PX arranged inmatrix in the display area DA. The first substrate SUB1 comprises, inthe display area DA, source lines S extending in a first direction X,gate lines G extending in a second direction Y perpendicular to thefirst direction X, a switching element SW electrically connected to agate line G and a source line S in each pixel PX, a pixel electrode PEconnected to a switching element SW in each pixel PX, etc. A commonelectrode CE having common potential is provided in the first substrateSUB1 or the second substrate SUB2, and faces a plurality of pixelelectrodes PE. The gate lines G may not be formed in a linear fashionparallel to the second direction Y. The source lines S may not be formedin a linear fashion parallel to the first direction X. The gate lines Gand the source lines S may be curved, or may partially branch off.

The display panel 12 is, for example, a transmissive-type display panelcomprising a transmissive display function for displaying an image byselectively transmitting light from a backlight device. The displaypanel 12 may be a reflective-type display panel comprising, in additionto a transmissive display function, a reflective display function fordisplaying an image by selectively reflecting light from the displayside, such as external light or auxiliary light. Further, the displaypanel 12 may be a transflective-type display panel comprising atransmissive display function and a reflective display function.

As a display mode, the display panel 12 may comprise a structurecorresponding to a lateral electric field mode mainly using a lateralelectric field substantially parallel to the main surfaces of thesubstrates or a structure corresponding to a longitudinal electric fieldmode mainly using a longitudinal electric field substantiallyperpendicular to the main surfaces of the substrates.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the display panel and schematically shows anexample of the electrode structure of the touch sensor 16. As shown inFIG. 2, the touch sensor 16 comprises a plurality of, for example, 33first detection electrodes Tx1 to Txn provided on the first substrateSUB1, and a plurality of, for example, 63 second detection electrodesRx1 to Rxn provided on the upper surface of the second substrate SUB2which is an insulating layer (in other words, provided on a surfaceopposite to the first substrate SUB1). In FIG. 2, to simplify theillustration, the number of electrodes is decreased from the actualnumber of electrodes. The first detection electrodes Tx1 to Txn areformed in a stripe fashion and extend in the longitudinal direction(first direction X) of the first substrate SUB1. The first detectionelectrodes Tx1 to Txn are arranged in parallel to each other at regularintervals in a width direction (second direction Y) perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction. The first detection electrodes Tx1 to Txn facesubstantially the entire display area (touch detection area) DA. In thepresent embodiment, the first detection electrodes Tx1 to Txn alsofunction as the common electrode CE of the display panel 12. The firstdetection electrodes Tx1 to Txn (common electrode CE) are formed of atransparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indiumzinc oxide (IZO).

The second detection electrodes Rx1 to Rxn are formed in a stripefashion and extend in the width direction (second direction Y) of thesecond substrate SUB2, in other words, in a direction perpendicular toor intersecting the extension direction of the first electrodes Tx1 toTxn. The second detection electrodes Rx1 to Rxn are arranged in parallelto each other at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction of thesecond substrate SUB2. The second detection electrodes Rx1 to Rxn facesubstantially the entire display area DA. In this manner, in the displayarea DA, the second detection electrodes Rx1 to Rxn are provided so asto intersect the first detection electrodes Tx1 to Txn and further tooverlap the first detection electrodes Tx1 to Txn across the interveningsecond substrate SUB2.

The second detection electrodes Rx are formed of a conductivetransparent material. The conductive transparent material is, forexample, an oxide material such as ITO or IZO. The oxide materialpreferably contains at least one of indium, tin, zinc, gallium andtitanium. The conductive transparent material is not particularlylimited to an oxide material, and may be, for example, a conductiveorganic material or a dispersing element containing fine conductivesubstances. The second detection electrodes Rx may not be formed of theabove transparent materials, and may be formed by a conductive filmincluding a metal layer or alloy layer formed of at least one metalselected from a group consisting of aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver(Ag), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr) and tungsten (W). The conductivefilm is nonvisualized by a blackening treatment or a mesh process.

The first detection electrodes Tx may extend in the second direction Yinstead of the first direction X. In this case, the second detectionelectrodes Rx extend in the first direction X.

The touch sensor 16 comprises a plurality of first control lines CL1connected to the first detection electrodes tx1 to Txn, respectively,and a plurality of second control lines CL2 connected to the seconddetection electrodes Rx1 to Rxn, respectively. The first control linesCL1 are control lines for electrically connecting the first detectionelectrodes Tx and shift registers SR or the driver IC chip 14. In thepresent embodiment, the first control lines CL1 extend from ends of thefirst detection electrodes TX1 to Txn in the longitudinal direction, forexample, the ends on the driver IC chip 14 side, to the driver IC chip14 via the non-display area ED of the display panel 12. The firstcontrol lines CL1 are explained in detail later.

The second control lines CL2 (a and b) are control lines forelectrically connecting the second detection electrodes Rx and the touchcontrol IC 18. The second control lines CL2 extend from ends of thesecond detection electrodes Rx1 to Rxn in the longitudinal direction andare connected to the second FPC 22 via the non-display area ED of thedisplay panel 12. In the present embodiment, with respect to the seconddetection electrodes Rx1, Rx3, . . . , Rxn provided in the odd-numberedcolumns, in FIG. 2, the second control lines CL2 a extend from the firstends (the lower ends in FIG. 2) of the second detection electrodes Rx tothe second FPC 22 via the non-display area ED on the first edge side(the lower edge side in FIG. 2). With respect to the second detectionelectrodes Rx2, Rx4, . . . , Rxn−1 provided in the even-numberedcolumns, in FIG. 2, the second control lines CL2 b extend from thesecond ends (the upper ends in FIG. 2) of the second detectionelectrodes Rx to the second FPC 22 via the non-display area ED on thesecond edge side (the upper edge side in FIG. 2) and the non-displayarea ED on the short-side side.

In the present embodiment, the second FPC 22 is attached to the thirdside (the short side on which the FPC is attached in FIG. 2) of thesecond substrate SUB2 such that the attached portion is close to an endof the short side, in other words, the second FPC 22 is attached to thevicinity of the first end of the third side of the second substrate SUB2in FIG. 2. Thus, the second control lines CL2 b connected to the seconddetection electrodes Rx2, Rx4, . . . , Rxn−a provided in theeven-numbered columns extend substantially over the entire width in thethird end portion of the second substrate SUB2 on the third short side.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the drivecircuit of the touch sensor 16. FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing thetiming for driving the touch sensor.

As shown in FIG. 3, the touch sensor 16 comprises a Tx drive circuit 30provided on the first substrate SUB1 and sequentially driving the firstdetection electrodes Tx1 to Txn. The Tx drive circuit 30 comprises a Txscanner 32 including a plurality of shift registers SR1, SR2, SR3, . . ., a plurality of AND gates N1, N2 and N3 outputting a select signal, andswitches SW each including switching elements SW1, SW2 and SW3.

The switching element SW1 is provided between the first detectionelectrode Tx and a TPH line and applies a high-level detection drivesignal TPH to the first detection electrode Tx by opening and closing inaccordance with a select signal TPHSEL from the AND gate N1. Theswitching element SW2 is provided between the first detection electrodeTx and a TPL line and applies a low-level detection drive signal TPL tothe first detection electrode Tx by opening and closing in accordancewith a select signal TPLSEL from the AND gate N2. The switching elementSW3 is provided between the first detection electrode Tx and a Vcompower control line and applies Vcom voltage to the first detectionelectrode Tx by opening and closing in accordance with a select signalVcomSEL from the AND gate N3.

The Tx scanner 32 sequentially drives the shift registers SR1, SR2, SR3,. . . , in accordance with a scanner control signal from the driver ICchip 14. The output signals of the shift registers SR1, SR2, SR3, . . ., are input to one of the input terminals of each of the AND gates N1,N2 and N3. A signal VcomSEL is input from the driver IC chip 14 to theother input terminal of each of the AND gates N1, N2 and N3.

The driver IC chip 14 inputs a perpendicular synchronous signal and ahorizontal synchronous signal to the touch control IC 18 for touchdetection. The touch control IC 18 inputs the drive signals of the firstdetection electrodes Tx to the driver IC chip 14 in accordance with theinput synchronous signals. The detection signals detected in the seconddetection electrodes Rx are transmitted to the touch control IC 18 fortouch detection through the second lines CL2.

As shown in FIG. 4, the driver IC chip 14 alternately repeats a displayperiod A and a touch detection period B a plurality of times in eachhorizontal period in accordance with horizontal synchronous signals. Ineach display period A, the Tx drive circuit 30 switches the switchingelement SW3 on, switches the switching elements SW2 and SW3 off, andapplies Vcom voltage to the first detection electrodes (commonelectrode) Tx. In each display period A, the driver IC chip 14 suppliesa switching signal and a video signal SigX to the gate lines and thevideo signal lines of the display area DA through the control linesdescribed later.

In the touch detection periods B, the driver IC chip 14 selects one ofthe shift registers SR1, SR2, . . . , in order, and alternately switchesthe switching elements SW1 and SW2 on and off in accordance with a Txdrive signal from the touch control IC 18. In this way, in the touchdetection periods B, a high-level (in-phase) detection drive signal TPHand a low-level (opposite-phase) detection drive signal TPL arealternately applied to the first detection electrodes Tx. When a fingerapproaches or touches the display surface (detection area) of thedisplay panel 12 in a touch detection period B, capacitance is appliedto the second detection electrodes Rx based on the touch position, andthe capacitance between the first detection electrodes Tx and the seconddetection electrodes Rx is changed. A detection signal including thischange in the capacitance is transmitted from the second detectionelectrodes Rx to the touch control IC 18. The touch control IC 18detects a touch and the position of the touch coordinates based on thereceived detection signal.

FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing the layout structure of thefirst control lines CL1 and the second control lines CL2 between theswitches SW and the Tx scanner 32 (shift registers SR) in the Tx drivecircuit 30.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the switches SW of the Txdrive circuit 30 are adjacent to ends of the respective first detectionelectrodes Tx1 to Txn in the longitudinal direction (for example, theends on the driver IC chip 14 side), and are directly connected to theseends of the first detection electrodes Tx1 to Txn. The second controllines CL2 b connected to the second detection electrodes Rx2 to Rxn−1provided in the even-numbered columns are provided between the switchesSW and the Tx scanner 32 (shift registers SR) and extend substantiallyin parallel to the short sides of the second substrate SUB2 in thenon-display area ED of the second substrate SUB2 on the short-side side.

The first control lines CL1 for transmitting a control signal to therespective switches SW extend from the shift registers SR1 to SRn to therespective switches SW. In the present embodiment, for example, eachfirst control line CL1 is provided so as to be bent in a staircasepattern. Specifically, each first control line CL1 extends from acorresponding shift register SR in a direction perpendicular to thesecond control lines CL2 b, is bent at right angle, extends in parallelto the second control lines CL2 b, is bent at right angle, and extendsto a corresponding switch SW in a direction perpendicular to the secondcontrol lines CL2. In this manner, each first control line CL1 isprovided so as to partially and perpendicularly overlap some secondcontrol lines CL2, and extends so as to partially overlap a secondcontrol line CL2 b in parallel. Thus, as seen in plan view, a large partof each first control line CL1 extends at an inclination angle otherthan an angle parallel to the second control lines CL2 b. In the presentembodiment, a large part of each first control line CL1 extendssubstantially at right angle to the second control lines CL2 b, and onlya part of each first control line CL1 extends substantially in parallelto the second control lines CL2 b. As seen in plan view, each firstcontrol line CL1 partially overlaps the second control lines CL2 b, anddoes not overlap the second control lines CL2 b in parallel over theentire length. Further, as described later, the width W1 of each firstcontrol line CL1 is far less than the width W2 of each second controlline CL2 b. Thus, the overlapping area can be reduced even in theoverlapping portions between the first control lines CL1 and the secondcontrol lines CL2.

To simplify the illustration, the other first detection electrodes Tx,switches SW and first control lines CL1 located in the central part areomitted in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6A is the cross-sectional view of the display panel taken along theline B-B of FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6A, the width W1 of eachfirst control line CL1 is less than the width of each first detectionelectrode Tx and the width W2 of each second control line CL2. In thepresent embodiment, the width W1 of each first control line CL1 is lessthan or equal to half the width W2 of each second control line CL2, andis preferably less than or equal to one-fifth the width W2 of eachsecond control line CL2. Since the first control lines CL1 only transmita select signal from the shift registers SR to the switches SW, thefirst control lines CL1 may be formed by thin lines. In the firstcontrol lines CL1, the potential of the lines from the shift registersSR1 to SRn to the switches SW is, for example, 2.5 to 8 V. The potentialof the lines from the switches SW to the first detection electrodes Txis, for example, approximately 8 or 10 V.

Each first control line CL1 is a set of three conductive lines,specifically, a conductive line R1 (TPHSEL) for transmitting a selectsignal to the switch SW1 (TPH), a conductive line R2 (TPLSEL) fortransmitting a select signal to the switch SW2 (TPL), and a conductiveline R3 (VcomSEL) for transmitting a select signal to the switch SW3(VCOMDC). The total width of the three conductive lines R1 to R3 isequivalent to the width W1 of each first control line CL1. All the threeconductive lines R1 to R3 included in each first control line CL1overlap a common second control line CL2 b at each overlapping position.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing thecross-sectional surfaces of the control lines along the line B-B of FIG.5. In the above line structure, some second control lines CL2 overlapsome first control lines CL1, and the other second control lines CL2 donot overlap any first control line CL1 in some intersecting portions.For example, in the cross-sectional surface shown in FIG. 6B, two secondcontrol lines CL2 (R×4 and R×6) overlap the first control lines CL1, anda second control line CL2 (Rx2) does not overlap any first control lineCL1. In this case, coupling occurs between the two second control linesCL2 (R×4 and R×6) and the two first control lines CL1 in an overlapstate. Further, as indicated with the alternate long and two shortdashes arrow in FIG. 6B, coupling may occur between the second controlline CL2 (Rx2) and the first control line CL1 in a non-overlap state. Toprevent the coupling between the second control line CL2 (Rx2) and thefirst control line CL1 in a non-overlap state, in the presentembodiment, the three conductive lines included in each first controlline CL1 are arranged such that the conductive line R3 (VCOMSEL) withfixed potential is the closest to the non-overlapping second controlline CL2 (Rx2). The conductive line R3 is provided in the boundaryportion between the area which overlaps the second control line CL2 band the area which does not overlap the second control line CL2 b. Thethree conductive lines R1, R2 and R3 included in each first control lineCL1 are arranged in the order of R3, R2 and R1 from the non-overlappingsecond control line CL2 (Rx2) side.

When each first control line CL1 has the above arrangement, unnecessarycoupling is prevented, and thus, it is possible to further effectivelyprevent noise in the touch detection area and the degradation of thetouch detection performance. The order of the conductive lines R2 and R1may be reversed.

FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing the layout structure of thesignal lines SL provided in the non-display area ED of the firstsubstrate SUB1. As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, thesignal lines SL1 extending from the driver IC chip 14 to the sourcelines S or the video signal lines of the display area DA are arranged soas to avoid the switches SW1 to SWn in the first substrate SUB1. Forexample, a plurality of signal lines SL1 are put together as a group,and each group of signal lines SL1 is provided between corresponding twoadjacent switches SW.

According to the touch detection device and the liquid crystal displaydevice having the above structure in the present embodiment, a largepart of each of the first control lines CL1 connected to the firstdetection electrodes Tx1 to Txn for touch detection overlaps the secondcontrol lines CL2 b at an angle different from a parallel angle. Thus,the area of the portions in which the first control lines CL1 overlapthe second control lines CL2 in parallel is reduced. At the same time,the width W1 of each first control line CL1 is less than the width W2 ofeach second control line CL2 b (the width W1 is less than or equal tohalf the width W2, and is preferably less than or equal to one-fifth thewidth W2). Thus, the area (overlapping area) of the portions in whichthe first control lines CL1 overlap the second control lines CL2 b canbe reduced. In this way, the coupling capacity formed in the overlappingportions between the first control lines CL1 and the second controllines CL2 b can be reduced. It is possible to obtain a touch detectiondevice capable of realizing stable touch detection over the entire touchdetection area and a display device comprising the touch detectiondevice by preventing noise in the touch detection area and thedegradation of the touch detection performance due to coupling capacity.The number of first and second detection electrodes or their shape ormaterial is not limited to the above first embodiment, and may bearbitrarily changed. The first detection electrodes of the touchdetection device may not be provided on the first substrate SUB1 of thedisplay panel 12. The first detection electrodes may be stacked on thedisplay surface of the second substrate SUB2 such that the firstdetection electrodes, an insulating layer and the second detectionelectrodes are stacked.

Now, this specification explains display devices and touch detectiondevices according to various modification examples and otherembodiments. In the modification examples and embodiments explainedbelow, the same elements as those of the first embodiment are denoted bythe same reference numbers, and detailed description thereof issimplified or omitted. Elements different from those of the firstembodiment are mainly explained in detail.

First Modification Example

FIG. 8A is a plan view schematically showing the layout structure of thefirst and second control lines of the display device and the touchdetection device according to a first modification example. In the firstmodification example, at least one group of the first control lines CL1and the second control lines CL2 b extends so as to intersect or overlapthe other group of the first control lines CL1 and the second controllines CL2 b at an inclination angle, in other words, at a slant, atoverlapping positions. As shown in FIG. 8, in the first modificationexample, the second control lines CL2 b connected to the seconddetection electrodes Rx2, . . . , Rxn−1 provided in the even-numberedcolumns extend in a direction parallel to the short sides of the secondsubstrate SUB2 between the switches SW and the Tx scanner 32 (shiftregisters SR) in the non-display area ED on the short-side side of thesecond substrate SUB2. Further, a part of each of the second controllines CL2, for example, the portion near the Tx scanner 32 comprises aplurality of inclined portions 64 inclined in a saw-blade fashion. Theinclined portions 64 are inclined at an angle θ, for example, 30 to 90degrees, to a direction parallel to the short sides of the secondsubstrate SUB2.

The first control lines CL1 for transmitting a control signal to therespective switches SW extend from the shift registers SR1 to SRn to therespective switches SW. In the present modification example, each firstcontrol line CL1 is bent in a stepwise manner. Each first control lineCL1 extends from a corresponding shift register SR in a directionperpendicular to the short sides of the second substrate SUB2, is bentat right angle, extends in parallel to the short sides of the secondsubstrate SUB2, is bent at right angle, and extends to a correspondingswitch SW. Each first control line CL1 extends so as to partiallyintersect the inclined portions 64 of the second control lines CL2 b.Since each inclined portion 64 is inclined at an angle θ, each firstcontrol line CL1 also extends so as to intersect or overlap the secondcontrol lines CL2 at an inclination angle of 0 to 90 degrees. In thisway, the first control lines CL1 do not overlap the second control linesCL2 b in parallel. The area of the overlapping portions can be reduced.At the same time, the overlapping areas of the portions in which thefirst control lines CL1 overlap a plurality of second control lines CL2are equalized. Thus, it is possible to prevent noise in the touchdetection area and the degradation of the touch detection performance.

Further, a ground layer 60 may be formed in the peripheral portion ofthe second substrate SUB2 outside the second control lines CL2. Theground layer 60 overlaps the shift registers SR.

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing thecross-sectional surface of the control lines along the line C-C of FIG.8A. In the above line structure, some second control lines CL2 overlapsome first control lines CL1, and the other second control lines CL2 donot overlap any first control line CL1 at some intersecting portions.For example, in the cross-sectional surface shown in FIG. 8B, two secondcontrol lines CL2 (R×4 and R×6) overlap the first control lines CL1, anda second control line CL2 (Rx2) does not overlap any first control lineCL1. In this case, coupling occurs between the two second control linesCL2 (R×4 and R×6) and the two first control lines CL1 in an overlapstate. Further, as indicated with the alternate long and two shortdashes arrow in FIG. 8B, coupling may occur between the second controlline CL2 (Rx2) and the adjacent first control line CL1 in a non-overlapstate. To prevent the coupling between the second control line CL2 (Rx2)and the first control line CL1 in a non-overlap state, in the presentmodification example, the three conductive lines included in each firstcontrol line CL1 are arranged such that the conductive line R3 (VCOMSEL)with fixed potential is the closest to the non-overlapping secondcontrol line CL2 (Rx2). The conductive line R3 is provided in theboundary portion between the area which overlaps the second control lineCL2 b and the area which does not overlap the second control line CL2 b.The three conductive lines R1, R2 and R3 included in each first controlline CL1 are arranged in the order of R3, R2 and R1 from thenon-overlapping second control line CL2 (Rx2) side.

When each first control line CL1 has the above arrangement, unnecessarycoupling is prevented, and thus, it is possible to further effectivelyprevent noise in the touch detection area and the degradation of thetouch detection performance. The order of the conductive lines R2 and R1may be reversed.

Second Modification Example

FIG. 9A is a plan view schematically showing the layout structure of thefirst and second control lines of the display device and the touchdetection device according to a second modification example. In thesecond modification example, at least one group of the first controllines CL1 and the second control lines CL2 b extends so as to intersectand overlap the other group of the first control lines CL1 and thesecond control lines CL2 b at an inclination angle, in other words, at aslant, at overlapping positions. As shown in FIG. 9, in the secondmodification example, the second control lines CL2 b connected to thesecond detection electrodes Rx2, . . . , Rxn−1 provided in theeven-numbered columns extend in a direction parallel to the short sidesof the second substrate SUB2 between the switches SW and the Tx scanner32 (shift registers SR) in the non-display area ED on the short-sideside of the second substrate SUB2.

The first control lines CL1 for transmitting a control signal to therespective switches SW linearly extend from the shift registers SR1 toSRn to the respective switches SW. Each first control line CL1 isinclined at an angle θ, for example, 30 to 90 degrees, to a directionparallel to the short sides of the second substrate SUB2, in otherwords, to the second control lines CL2 b. Each first control line CL1extends so as to partially cross the second control lines CL2 b. Eachfirst control line CL1 extends so as to intersect or overlap the secondcontrol lines CL2 at an inclination angle θ. In this way, the firstcontrol lines CL1 do not overlap the second control lines CL2 b inparallel. The area of the overlapping portions can be reduced. At thesame time, the overlapping areas of the portions in which the firstcontrol lines CL1 overlap a plurality of second control lines CL2 aresubstantially equalized. Thus, it is possible to prevent noise in thetouch detection area and the degradation of the touch detectionperformance.

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing thecross-sectional surface of the control lines along the line D-D of FIG.9A. In the above line structure, some second control lines CL2 overlapsome first control lines CL1, and the other second control lines CL2 donot overlap any first control line CL1 at some intersecting positions.For example, in the cross-sectional surface shown in FIG. 9B, two secondcontrol lines CL2 (R×4 and R×6) overlap the first control lines CL1, anda second control line CL2 (Rx2) does not overlap any first control lineCL1. In this case, coupling occurs between the two second control linesCL2 (R×4 and R×6) and the two first control lines CL1 in an overlapstate. Further, as indicated with the alternate long and two shortdashes arrow in FIG. 9B, coupling may occur between the second controlline CL2 (Rx2) and the adjacent first control line CL1 in a non-overlapstate. To prevent the coupling between the second control line CL2 (Rx2)and the first control line CL1 in a non-overlap state, in the presentembodiment, of the three conductive lines included in each first controlline CL1, the conductive line R3 (VCOMSEL) with fixed potential isprovided so as to be the closest to the non-overlapping second controlline CL2 (Rx2). The conductive line R3 is provided in the boundaryportion between the area which overlaps the second control line CL2 band the area which does not overlap the second control line CL2 b. Thethree conductive lines R1, R2 and R3 included in each first control lineCL1 are arranged in the order of R3, R2 and R1 from the non-overlappingsecond control line CL2 (Rx2) side.

When each first control line CL1 has the above arrangement, unnecessarycoupling is prevented, and thus, it is possible to further effectivelyprevent noise in the touch detection area and the degradation of thetouch detection performance. The order of the conductive lines R2 and R1may be reversed.

Third Modification Example

FIG. 10A is a plan view schematically showing the layout structure ofthe first and second control lines of the display device and the touchdetection device according to a third modification example. In the thirdmodification example, at least one group of the first control lines CL1and the second control lines CL2 b extends so as to intersect or overlapthe other group of the first control lines CL1 and the second controllines CL2 b at an inclination angle, in other words, at a slant, atoverlapping positions.

As shown in FIG. 10A, in the third modification example, the secondcontrol lines CL2 b connected to the second detection electrodes Rx2, .. . , Rxn−1 provided in the even-numbered columns extend in a directionparallel to the short sides of the second substrate SUB2 between theswitches SW and the Tx scanner 32 (shift registers SR) in thenon-display area ED on the short-side side of the second substrate SUB2.Further, at least a part of each second control line CL2, in the presentmodification example, the entire part of each second control line CL2 isformed so as to have a continuous uneven shape like waves, a sine waveor saw teeth or zigzag shape. Each portion of each second control lineCL2 is inclined at an angle of, for example, 30 to 90 degrees to adirection parallel to the short sides of the second substrate SUB2.

Each first control line CL1 is bent in a stepwise manner. Each firstcontrol line CL1 extends from the Tx scanner 32 in a directionperpendicular to the short sides of the second substrate SUB2, is bentat right angle, extends in parallel to the short sides of the secondsubstrate SUB2, is bent at right angle, and extends to a correspondingswitch SW. Each first control line CL1 extends so as to partiallyintersect the inclined portions 64 of the second control lines CL2 b.Since each second control line CL2 is formed in a wavelike shape, eachfirst control line CL1 extends so as to intersect the second controllines CL2 with an inclination angle of 0 to 90 degrees in all theoverlapping portions. In this way, the first control lines CL1 do notoverlap the second control lines CL2 b in parallel. The area of theoverlapping portions can be reduced. At the same time, the overlappingareas of the portions in which the first control lines CL1 overlap aplurality of second control lines CL2 are substantially equalized. Thus,it is possible to prevent noise in the touch detection area and thedegradation of the touch detection performance.

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing thecross-sectional surface of the control lines along the line E-E of FIG.10A. In the above line structure, some second control lines CL2 overlapsome first control lines CL1, and the other second control lines CL2 donot overlap any first control line CL1 in some intersecting portions.For example, in the cross-sectional surface shown in FIG. 10B, twosecond control lines CL2 (R×4 and R×6) overlap the first control linesCL1, and a second control line CL2 (Rx2) does not overlap any firstcontrol line CL1. In this case, coupling occurs between the two secondcontrol lines CL2 (R×4 and R×6) and the two first control lines CL1 inan overlap state. Further, as indicated with the alternate long and twoshort dashes arrow in FIG. 10B, coupling may occur between the secondcontrol line CL2 (Rx2) and the adjacent first control line CL1 in anon-overlap state. To prevent the coupling between the second controlline CL2 (Rx2) and the first control line CL1 in a non-overlap state, inthe present embodiment, of the three conductive lines included in eachfirst control line CL1, the conductive line R3 (VCOMSEL) with fixedpotential is provided so as to be the closest to the non-overlappingsecond control line CL2 (Rx2). The conductive line R3 is provided in theboundary portion between the area which overlaps the second control lineCL2 b and the area which does not overlap the second control line CL2 b.The three conductive lines R1, R2 and R3 included in each first controlline CL1 are arranged in the order of R3, R2 and R1 from thenon-overlapping second control line CL2 (Rx2) side.

When each first control line CL1 has the above arrangement, unnecessarycoupling is prevented, and thus, it is possible to further effectivelyprevent noise in the touch detection area and the degradation of thetouch detection performance. The order of the conductive lines R2 and R1may be reversed.

Fourth Modification Example

FIG. 11A is a plan view schematically showing the layout structure ofthe first and second control lines of the display device and the touchdetection device according to a fourth modification example. In thefourth modification example, the second control lines CL2 b connected tothe second detection electrodes Rx2 to Rxn−1 provided in theeven-numbered columns extend in a direction parallel to the short sidesof the second substrate SUB2 between the switches SW and the Tx scanner32 (shift registers SR) in the non-display area ED on the short-sideside of the second substrate SUB2.

The first control line CL1 for transmitting a control signal to therespective switches SW extend from the shift registers SR1 to SRn to therespective switches SW in one direction. Each first control line CL1 isinclined at an angle θ, for example, 30 to 90 degrees, to a directionparallel to the short sides of the second substrate SUB2, in otherwords, to the second control lines CL2 b. Further, at least a part ofeach first control line CL1, in the present modification example, theentire part of each first control line CL1 is formed so as to have acontinuous uneven shape like waves, a sine wave or saw teeth or a zigzagshape in a plane direction.

Each first control line CL1 extends so as to partially cross the secondcontrol lines CL2 b. Each first control line CL1 extends so as tointersect or overlap the second control lines CL2 at an inclinationangle of 0 to 90 degrees. Since each first control line CL1 is formed ina wavelike shape, each first control line CL1 intersects the secondcontrol lines CL2 in a direction substantially perpendicular to thesecond control lines CL2 in a large part of the overlapping portion.

In this way, the first control lines CL1 do not overlap the secondcontrol lines CL2 b in parallel. The area of the overlapping portionscan be further reduced. At the same time, the overlapping areas of theportions in which the first control lines CL1 overlap a plurality ofsecond control lines CL2 are substantially equalized. Thus, it ispossible to prevent noise in the touch detection area and thedegradation of the touch detection performance.

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing thecross-sectional surfaces of the control lines along the line F-F of FIG.11A. In the above line structure, some second control lines CL2 overlapsome first control lines CL1, and the other second control lines CL2 donot overlap any first control line CL1 at some intersecting positions.For example, in the cross-sectional surface shown in FIG. 11B, twosecond control lines CL2 (R×4 and R×6) overlap the first control linesCL1, and a second control line CL2 (Rx2) does not overlap any firstcontrol line CL1. In this case, coupling occurs between the two secondcontrol lines CL2 (R×4 and R×6) and the two first control lines CL1 inan overlap state. Further, as indicated with the alternate long and twoshort dashes arrow in FIG. 11B, coupling may occur between the secondcontrol line CL2 (Rx2) and the adjacent first control line CL1 in anon-overlap state. To prevent the coupling between the second controlline CL2 (Rx2) and the first control line CL1 in a non-overlap state, inthe present embodiment, of the three conductive lines included in eachfirst control line CL1, the conductive line R3 (VCOMSEL) with fixedpotential is provided so as to be the closest to the non-overlappingsecond control line CL2 (Rx2). The conductive line R3 is provided in theboundary portion between the area which overlaps the second control lineCL2 b and the area which does not overlap the second control line CL2 b.The three conductive lines R1, R2 and R3 included in each first controlline CL1 are arranged in the order of R3, R2 and R1 from thenon-overlapping second control line CL2 (Rx2) side.

When each first control line CL1 has the above arrangement, unnecessarycoupling is prevented, and thus, it is possible to further effectivelyprevent noise in the touch detection area and the degradation of thetouch detection performance. The order of the conductive lines R2 and R1may be reversed.

Fifth Modification Example

FIG. 12 is a plan view schematically showing the layout structure of thefirst and second control lines of the display device and the touchdetection device according to a fifth modification example. In the fifthmodification example, the switches SW of the Tx drive circuit areadjacent to the shift registers SR1 to SRn of the Tx scanner 32,respectively, and are away from ends of the first detection electrodesTx.

The second control lines CL2 b connected to the second detectionelectrodes Rx2 to Rxn−1 provided in the even-numbered columns extend ina direction parallel to the short sides of the second substrate SUB2between ends of the first detection electrodes Tx and the switches SW inthe non-display area ED on the short-side side of the second substrateSUB2.

The first control lines CL1 for transmitting a control signal from therespective switches SW to the respective first detection electrodes Txare formed in a stripe fashion and linearly extend from the respectiveswitches SW to ends of the respective first detection electrodes Tx. Inthe present modification example, the width (line thickness) of eachfirst control line CL1 is substantially equal to the width of each firstdetection electrode Tx, or is substantially equal to the width of eachsecond control line CL2 b. Each first control line CL1 is inclined at anangle θ, for example, 30 to 90 degrees, to a direction parallel to theshort sides of the second substrate SUB2, in other words, to the secondcontrol lines CL2 b. Each first control line CL1 extends so as to crossthe second control lines CL2 b. Each first control line CL1 extends soas to intersect or overlap the second control lines CL2 at aninclination angle of θ. In this way, the first control lines CL1 do notoverlap the second control lines CL2 b in parallel. The area of theoverlapping portions can be reduced. At the same time, the overlappingareas of the portions in which the first control lines CL1 overlap aplurality of second control lines CL2 are equalized. Thus, it ispossible to prevent noise in the touch detection area and thedegradation of the touch detection performance.

Sixth Modification Example

FIG. 13 is a plan view schematically showing the layout structure of thefirst and second control lines of the display device and the touchdetection device according to a sixth modification example. FIG. 14 isthe cross-sectional view of the display device along the line G-G ofFIG. 13. In the sixth modification example, the display device furthercomprises two power control lines functioning as the first controllines. The display device comprises a first power control line P1(VCOMSEL) and a second power control line P2 (xVCOMSEL) having anopposite phase on the first substrate SUB1. The first power control lineP1 and the second power control line P2 extend along the side edges ofthe second substrate SUB2 outside the Tx scanner 32. The first powercontrol line P1 and the second power control line P2 are connected tothe shift registers SR of the Tx scanner 32.

The second control lines CL2 b connected to the second detectionelectrodes Rx2 to Rxn−1 provided in the even-numbered columns areprovided substantially in parallel to the short sides of the secondsubstrate SUB2 between the switches SW and the Tx scanner 32 (shiftregisters SR) in the non-display area ED on the short-side side of thesecond substrate SUB2. Each first control line CL1 is bent in a stepwisemanner. Each first control line CL1 extends from a corresponding shiftregister SR in a direction perpendicular to the short sides of thesecond substrate SUB2, is bent at right angle, extends in parallel tothe short sides of the second substrate SUB2, is bent at right angle,and extends to a corresponding switch SW. Each first control line CL1extends so as to partially intersect the inclined portions 64 of thesecond control lines CL2 b.

Further, in the present modification example, the mesh ground layer 60is formed on the peripheral portion of the second substrate SUB2 outsidethe second control lines CL2. The ground layer 60 overlaps the Txscanner 32 and the first and second power control lines P1 and P2 on thefirst substrate SUB1. The ground layer 60 prevents coupling between theTx scanner 32 and the second control lines CL2 and between either thefirst power control line P1 or the second power control line P2 and thesecond control lines CL2.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 15 is a plan view schematically showing a touch detection deviceprovided in a display device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 16is a plan view schematically showing an example of the layout structureof control lines and power control lines.

In the second embodiment, a drive signal is input to a touch sensor(touch detection device) 16 from the two end sides of each firstdetection electrode Tx in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG.15, the touch sensor 16 comprises a plurality of first detectionelectrodes Tx1 to Txn provided on a first substrate SUB1 and a pluralityof second detection electrodes Rx1 to Rxn provided on the upper surface(a surface opposite to the first substrate SUB1) of a second substrateSUB2 which is an insulating layer. The first detection electrodes Tx1 toTxn are formed in a stripe fashion and extend in the longitudinaldirection (first direction X) of the first substrate SUB1. The firstdetection electrodes Tx1 to Txn are arranged in parallel to each otherat regular intervals in the width direction (second direction Y)perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The first detectionelectrodes Tx1 to Txn face substantially the entire display area (touchdetection area) DA.

The second detection electrodes Rx1 to Rxn are formed in a stripefashion and extend in the width direction (second direction Y) of thesecond substrate SUB2, in other words, in a direction perpendicular toor intersecting the extension direction of the first detectionelectrodes Tx1 to Txn. The second detection electrodes Rx1 to Rxn arearranged in parallel to each other at regular intervals in thelongitudinal direction of the second substrate SUB2. The seconddetection electrodes Rx1 to Rxn face substantially the entire displayarea DA. In this manner, in the display area DA, the second detectionelectrodes Rx1 to Rxn are provided so as to intersect the firstdetection electrodes Tx1 to Txn. Further, the intersections of thesecond detection electrodes Rx1 to Rxn face the first detectionelectrodes Tx1 to Txn across the intervening second substrate SUB2.

In the second embodiment, on the first substrate SUB1, a Tx scanner 32comprising a plurality of shift registers SR is provided in each endside in the longitudinal direction. Switches SW are provided so as to beadjacent to the both ends of each first detection electrode Tx in thelongitudinal direction, and are connected to the first detectionelectrode Tx. Each shift register SR of each Tx scanner 32 is connectedto a corresponding switch SW by a corresponding first control line CL1.

A plurality of second control lines CL2 extend from ends of the seconddetection electrodes Rx1 to Rxn in the longitudinal direction and areconnected to a second FPC 22 via a non-display area ED provided in adisplay panel 12. In the present embodiment, with respect to the seconddetection electrodes Rx1, Rx3, . . . , Rxn−1 provided in theodd-numbered columns, when the Y-direction is a vertical direction inFIG. 15, the second control lines CLb extend from the upper ends (secondends) of the second detection electrodes Rx (in other words, ends in theY-direction) to the second FPC 22 via the non-display area ED on thelong-side (first and/or second edge side) of the second substrate SUB2and the non-display area ED on the short-side side (third edge side) ofthe second substrate SUB2. With respect to the second detectionelectrodes Rx2, Rx4, . . . , Rxn provided in the even-numbered columns,the second control lines CL2 a extend from the lower ends (first ends)of the second detection electrodes Rx (in other words, the other ends inthe Y-direction) to the second FPC 22 via the non-display area ED on thelong-side side of the second substrate SUB2.

The second FPC 22 is attached to the short side of the second substrateSUB2 such that the attached portion is close to an end of the shortside, in other words, the second FPC 22 is attached to the vicinity ofthe lower end of the short side when the Y-direction is a verticaldirection in FIG. 15. Thus, the second control lines CL2 b connected tothe second detection electrodes Rx1, Rx3, . . . , Rxn−1 provided in theodd-numbered columns extend substantially over the entire length of theshort side in the non-display area ED on the short-side side of thesecond substrate SUB2.

The first control lines CL1 and the second control lines CL2 b arearranged in the same manner as the first embodiment in the short-sideend portion of the second substrate SUB2 on the driver IC chip 14 side.The second control lines CL2 b connected to the second detectionelectrodes Rx1, Rx3, . . . , Rxn−1 provided in the odd-numbered columnsare provided in a direction substantially parallel to the short sides ofthe second substrate SUB2 between the switches SW and the Tx scanner 32(shift registers SR) in the non-display area ED on the short-side sideof the second substrate SUB2.

The first control lines CL1 for transmitting a control signal to therespective switches SW extend from the shift registers SR of the Txscanner 32 to the respective switches SW. Each first control line CL1 isbent in, for example, a staircase pattern. Specifically, each firstcontrol line CL1 extends from a corresponding shift register SR in adirection perpendicular to the second control lines CL2 b, is bent atright angle, extends in parallel to the second control lines CL2 b, isbent at right angle, and extends to a corresponding switch SW in adirection perpendicular to or intersecting the second control lines CL2.In this manner, each first control line CL1 is provided so as topartially and perpendicularly overlap some second control lines CL2 b,and extends so as to partially overlap a second control line CL2 b inparallel. The width of each first control line CL1 is less than thewidth of each first detection electrode Tx and the width W2 of eachsecond control line CL2. In the present embodiment, the width of eachfirst control line CL1 is less than or equal to half the width of eachsecond control line CL2, and is preferably less than or equal toone-fifth the width of each second control line CL2.

In the second embodiment, a first power control line (VCOMSEL) P1 and asecond power control line (xVCOMSEL) P2 are provided in the non-displayarea of the first substrate SUB1, in other words, in the peripheralportion, and extend over the entire circumference. The first and secondpower control lines P1 and P2 functioning as the first control linesextend along the pair of long sides and the pair of short sides of thefirst substrate SUB1. The first and second power control lines P1 and P2are electrically connected to the pair of Tx scanners 32 and the driverIC chip 14.

As shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, of the first and second power controllines P1 and P2, the long-side line portions extending along the pair oflong sides of the first substrate SUB1 extend at an angle θ2 (forexample, 5 to 90 degrees) to a direction parallel to the long sides. Inthe present embodiment, the long-side line portions of the first andsecond power control lines P1 and P2 are bent in the central part. Thelong-side line portions of the first and second power control lines P1and P2 extend at an angle θ2 toward the second detection electrode Rxside from an end of the long side of the first substrate SUB1 tosubstantially the central part, and extend at an angle θ2 toward theoutside from the central part to the other end of the long side. In thisway, the long-side line portions of the first and second power controllines P1 and P2 intersect and overlap the second control lines CL2 a andCL2 b at an angle to the second control lines CL2 a and CL2 b withoutextending in parallel to the second control lines CL2 a or CL2 b.

A mesh ground layer 60 is formed on the peripheral portion of the secondsubstrate SUB2 outside the second control lines CL2. The ground layer 60overlaps one of the Tx scanners 32 (for example, the Tx scanner 32provided on the driver IC chip 14 side) on the first substrate SUB1, andthe first and second power control lines P1 and P2. The ground layer 60prevents coupling between the second control lines CL2 and the Txscanner 32 and between the second control lines CL2 and either the firstpower control line P1 or the second power control line P2.

According to the touch detection device and the display device havingthe above structure in the present embodiment, each first control lineCL1 connected to the first detection electrodes Tx1 to Txn for touchdetection partially overlaps or intersects some second control lines CL2b. In these overlapping portions, the first control lines CL1 overlapthe second control lines CL2 b at an angle different from a parallelangle, thereby reducing the area overlapping the second control linesCL2 b in parallel. At the same time, the width W1 of each first controlline CL1 is less than the width W2 of each second control line CL2 b(the width W1 is less than or equal to half the width W2, and ispreferably less than or equal to one-fifth the width W2). Thus, the area(overlapping area) of the portions in which the first control lines CL1overlap the second control lines CL2 b can be reduced. In this way, thecoupling capacity formed in the overlapping portions between the firstcontrol lines CL1 and the second control lines CL2 b can be reduced.

The long-side line portions of the first and second power control linesP1 and P2 functioning as the control lines extend so as to intersect oroverlap the second control lines CL2 a and CL2 b at an inclination angleθ2. Thus, none of the first and second power control lines P1 and P2overlaps the second control lines CL2 a or CL2 b in parallel, therebyreducing the area of the overlapping portions. At the same time, theoverlapping areas of the portions in which the power control linesoverlap the second control lines CL2 are equalized. Thus, it is possibleto prevent noise in the touch detection area and the degradation of thetouch detection performance.

As described above, in the second embodiment, it is possible to obtain atouch detection device capable of realizing stable touch detection overthe entire touch detection area and a display device comprising thetouch detection device while preventing noise in the touch detectionarea and the degradation of the touch detection performance due tocoupling capacity.

The number of first and second detection electrodes or their shape ormaterial is not limited to the first embodiment, and may be arbitrarilychanged. The first detection electrodes of the touch detection devicemay not be provided on the first substrate SUB1 of the display panel 12.The first detection electrodes may be stacked on the display surface ofthe second substrate SUB2 such that the first detection electrodes, aninsulating layer and the second detection electrodes are stacked. Theline structure or the stacked layer structure of the first control linesCL1 and the second control lines CL2 b is not limited to the secondembodiment. Any of the first to sixth modification examples may beapplied.

Seventh Modification Example

FIG. 17 schematically shows a line structure according to a seventhmodification example. In the above second embodiment, the end portionsof the second control lines CL2 a and CL2 b connected to the seconddetection electrodes Rx may not be rectangular, and may be formed in astepwise pattern having a plurality of stairs as shown in FIG. 17. Inthis stepwise pattern, the angle of intersection between the endportions of the second control lines CL2 a and CL2 b and the first andsecond power control lines P1 and P2 can be further increased, and canbe close to 90 degrees. In this manner, it is possible to reduce thearea of the portions in which the second control lines CL2 a and CL2 boverlap the first and second power control lines P1 and P2. Thus,coupling capacity can be further reduced.

Eighth Modification Example

FIG. 18 schematically shows a line structure according to an eighthmodification example. In the above second embodiment, the first andsecond power control lines P1 and P2 overlap part of the second controllines CL2 a and CL2 b. However, the line structure is not limited tothis example. As shown in FIG. 18, the first and second power controllines P1 and P2 may be apart from the second control lines CL2 a and CL2b without overlapping the second control lines CL2 a or CL2 b. In thiscase, the first and second power control lines P1 and P2 are away fromthe second control lines CL2 a and CL2 b by a distance d for preventingcoupling.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a display device comprising a touchdetection device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 20 is a plan viewschematically showing the touch detection device.

In the third embodiment, a touch detection device (touch sensor) 16 isstructured as an independent touchpanel, and is provided on the displaysurface of a display panel 12.

More specifically, the touch detection device 16 comprises, for example,a first insulating layer IF1 formed of transparent synthetic resin, aplurality of first detection electrodes Tx1 to Txn provided on the firstinsulating layer IF1, a second insulating layer IF2 formed oftransparent synthetic resin, and a plurality of second detectionelectrodes Rx1 to Rxn provided on the second insulating layer IF2. Thesecond insulating layer IF2 is stacked on the first detection electrodesTx1 to Txn and on the first insulating layer IF1. Thus, the firstdetection electrodes Tx1 to Txn face the second detection electrodes Rx1to Rxn across the intervening second insulating layer IF2.

The display panel 12 comprises a first substrate SUB1, a secondsubstrate SUB2 facing the first substrate SUB1 across an interveninggap, and a liquid crystal layer LQ provided between the first substrateand the second substrate. The first insulating layer IF1 of the touchdetection device 16 is attached to the display surface of the displaypanel 12 with a transparent adhesive layer AD2. Further, in the presentembodiment, a transparent cover panel 62 is attached onto the touchdetection device 16 with a transparent adhesive layer AD1.

As shown in FIG. 20, the first detection electrodes Tx1 to Txn areformed in a stripe fashion and are arranged in the longitudinaldirection (first direction X) of the first insulating layer IF1. Thefirst detection electrodes Tx1 to Txn are arranged in parallel to eachother at regular intervals in the width direction (second direction Y)perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The first detectionelectrodes Tx1 to Txn face substantially the entire display area (touchdetection area) DA.

The second detection electrodes Rx1 to Rxn are formed in a stripefashion and extend in the width direction (second direction Y) of thesecond substrate SUB2, in other words, in a direction perpendicular tothe extension direction of the first detection electrodes Tx1 to Txn.The second detection electrodes Rx1 to Rxn are arranged in parallel toeach other at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction of thesecond substrate SUB2. The second detection electrodes Rx1 to Rxn facesubstantially the entire display area DA. Thus, in the display area DA,the second detection electrodes Rx1 to Rx intersect the first detectionelectrodes Tx1 to Txn and further overlap the first detection electrodesTx1 to Txn with the intervening second insulating layer IF2.

A plurality of first control lines CL1 are provided in a non-displayarea ED of the first insulating layer IF1. Some first control lines CL1are connected to ends of the first detection electrodes Tx1 to Txn inthe longitudinal direction, extend from the first detection electrodesin the first direction X, are bent substantially at right angle, andextend in the second direction Y (along a short side of the firstinsulating layer IF1). The first control lines CL1 are connected to adriver IC chip (not shown). The other first control lines CL1 areconnected to the other ends of the first detection electrodes Tx1 to Txnin the longitudinal direction, extend from the first detectionelectrodes in the first direction X, are bent substantially at rightangle, and extend in the second direction Y (along the other short sideof the first insulating layer IF1). These first control lines CL1 areconnected to the driver IC chip (not shown). A Tx drive signal (TPH orTPL) is supplied from the driver IC chip to the first detectionelectrodes Tx1 to Txn via the first control lines CL1.

A plurality of second control lines CL2 are provided in the non-displayarea ED of the second insulating layer IF2. Some second control linesCL2 extend in the second direction Y from ends of the second detectionelectrodes Rx1 to Rxn in the longitudinal direction, are bent in thefirst direction X (to right in FIG. 20), are bent in the seconddirection Y, and extend along a short side of the second insulatinglayer IF2. The other second control lines CL2 extend in the seconddirection Y from ends of the second detection electrodes Rx1 to Rxn inthe longitudinal direction, are bent in the first direction X (to leftin FIG. 20), are bent in the second direction Y, and extend along theother short side of the second insulating layer IF2. These secondcontrol lines CL2 are connected to a touch driver IC chip for touchdetection (not shown). Thus, the detection signals detected in thesecond detection electrodes Rx1 to Rxn are transmitted to the touchdriver IC chip through the second control lines CL2.

At least one group of the first control lines CL1 and the second controllines CL2 b extends so as to intersect or overlap the other group of thefirst control lines CL1 and the second control lines CL2 b at aninclination angle, in other words, at a slant, at overlapping positions.

In the present embodiment, the first control lines CL1 extendsubstantially in parallel to the short sides of the first insulatinglayer IF1, in other words, in the second direction Y, in both short-sideend portions of the first insulating layer IF1. The second control linesCL2 extend at an angle θ2 (for example, 5 to 90 degrees) to a directionparallel to the short sides of the second insulating layer IF2 in bothshort-side end portions of the second insulating layer IF2. In thepresent embodiment, the second control lines CL2 are bent in the centralpart. The second control lines CL2 extend at an angle θ2 toward thesecond detection electrode Rx side to a direction parallel to the shortsides of the second insulating layer IF2 from an end of the short sideof the second insulating layer IF2 to substantially the central part,and extend at an angle −θ2 toward the outside to a direction parallel tothe short sides of the second insulating layer IF2 from the central partto the other end of the short side. In this manner, the second controllines CL2 intersect and overlap the first control lines CL1 at an angleto the first control lines CL1 without extending in parallel to thefirst control lines CL1 in both short-side end portions of the first andsecond insulating layer IF1 and IF2.

According to the touch detection device and the display device havingthe above structure in the third embodiment, at least one group of thefirst control lines CL1 and the second control lines CL2 b extends so asto intersect or overlap the other group of the first control lines CL1and the second control lines CL2 b at an inclination angle, in otherwords, at a slant, at overlapping positions. In this way, the firstcontrol lines CL1 do not overlap the second control lines CL2 inparallel. The area of the overlapping portions can be reduced. At thesame time, the overlapping areas of the portions in which the firstcontrol lines CL1 overlap a plurality of second control lines CL2 areequalized. Thus, it is possible to prevent noise in the touch detectionarea and the degradation of the touch detection performance. In thethird embodiment, it is possible to obtain a touch detection devicecapable of realizing stable touch detection over the entire touchdetection area and a display device comprising the touch detectiondevice while preventing noise in the touch detection area and thedegradation of the touch detection performance due to coupling capacity.

The number of first and second detection electrodes or their shape ormaterial is not limited to the first embodiment, and may be arbitrarilychanged. The line structure or the stacked layer structure of the firstcontrol lines CL1 and the second control lines CL2 b is not limited tothe second embodiment. Any of the first to sixth modification examplesmay be applied. The display panel is not limited to a liquid crystaldisplay panel. An organic electroluminescent display panel may beapplied.

Ninth Modification Example

FIG. 21 schematically shows a line structure according to a ninthmodification example. In the above second embodiment, in the overlappingportions between the first control lines CL1 and the second controllines CL2, at least one group of lines, for example, each second controlline CL2 is formed so as to have a continuous uneven shape like waves, asine wave or saw teeth or zigzag shape. When each second control lineCL2 is formed in, for example, a wavelike shape, the second controllines CL2 extend so as to intersect the first control lines CL1 at aninclination angle of 30 to 90 degrees in all the portions overlappingthe first control lines CL1. In this way, the first control lines CL1 donot overlap the second control lines CL2 b in parallel. The area of theoverlapping portions can be reduced. At the same time, the overlappingareas of the portions in which the first control lines CL1 overlap aplurality of second control lines CL2 are substantially equalized. Thus,it is possible to prevent noise in the touch detection area and thedegradation of the touch detection performance.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intendedto cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the inventions.

All of the structures which can be implemented by a person of ordinaryskill in the art through arbitrary design changes to the structuresdescribed above as embodiments and modification examples of the presentinvention come within the scope of the present invention as long as theyare in keeping with the spirit of the present invention. For example,the light emission surface of the liquid crystal display panel or thelight guide is not limited to a flat surface, and may be a curvedsurface which is concave in the longitudinal direction or a curvedsurface which is convex in the longitudinal direction. The structuralmembers of the liquid crystal display panel or the backlight device arenot limited to a rectangular shape, and may have other shapes like apolygon with five or more sides, an ellipse or a truck. The materials ofthe structural members are not limited to the above examples, and may beselected from various materials.

In the present embodiments, a vertically long display device (display)is shown. However, the present embodiment is not limited to thisexample. A horizontally long display may be also employed. In thevertically long display, the first substrate protrudes from one of theshort sides of the second substrate. In the horizontally long display, along-side portion of the first substrate protrudes from one of the longsides of the second substrate. Thus, in the horizontally long display,for example, in FIG. 1, the X-direction is a width direction, and theY-direction is a height direction.

Other effects which can be obtained by the above embodiments andmodification examples and are self-evident from the description in thisspecification or can be arbitrarily conceived by a person of ordinaryskill in the art are considered to be achievable by the presentinvention as a matter of course.

What is claimed is:
 1. A touch detection device comprising: a pluralityof driving electrodes arranged at intervals in a first direction in adetection area; a plurality of first control lines arranged in anon-detection area, each of the first control lines including a firstportion, a second portion and a third portion, the first portionextending in a second direction different from the first direction andbeing connected to a corresponding one of the driving electrodes, thesecond portion extending in the first direction connected to the firstportion, the third portion extending in the second direction beingconnected to the second portion; a plurality of second control linesarranged in the non-detection area, each of the second control linesincluding a fourth portion extending in the first direction; whereineach of the second portions of the first control lines overlaps acorresponding one of the fourth portions of the second control lines,and areas where the second portions overlap the fourth portions,respectively, are substantially the same as each other.
 2. The touchdetection device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of driving electrodesare formed of a plurality of detection electrodes, respectively.
 3. Thetouch detection device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of detectionelectrodes include first detection electrodes and second detectionelectrodes, each of the first control lines is connected to acorresponding one of the first detection electrodes, and each of thesecond control lines is connected to a corresponding one of the seconddetection electrodes.
 4. A touch detection device comprising: aplurality of driving electrodes arranged at intervals in a firstdirection in a detection area; a plurality of first control linesconnected to the first detection electrodes, respectively, and providedin a non-detection area; and a plurality of second control linesprovided in the non-detection area and overlapping the first controllines at a plurality of positions as seen in a plan view, such thatareas of overlapping portions in which the first control lines overlapthe second control lines are substantially the same, wherein at leastone group of the first control lines and the second control linesextends so as to intersect and overlap the other group of the firstcontrol lines and the second control lines at an angle other than 90degrees in the overlapping portions.
 5. The touch detection device ofclaim 4, wherein the plurality of driving electrodes are formed of aplurality of detection electrodes, respectively.
 6. The touch detectiondevice of claim 5, wherein the plurality of detection electrodes includefirst detection electrodes and second detection electrodes, each of thefirst control lines is connected to a corresponding one of the firstdetection electrodes, and each of the second control lines is connectedto a corresponding one of the second detection electrodes.
 7. The touchdetection device of claim 4, wherein the second control lines linearlyextend and comprise a plurality of inclined portions inclined at apredetermined angle other than 90 degrees with respect to the firstcontrol lines, and the first control lines intersect the inclinedportions.
 8. The touch detection device of claim 4, wherein the secondcontrol lines linearly extend, and the first control lines linearlyextend in a direction inclined with respect to the second control lines,and intersect the second control lines at an angle other than 90degrees.
 9. The touch detection device of claim 8, wherein each of thesecond control lines extends in a first direction overall, and comprisesa plurality of continuous projections and depressions having the angleother than 90 degrees in a plane direction.
 10. The touch detectiondevice of claim 4, wherein each of the second control lines is formed ina wavelike shape.
 11. The touch detection device of claim 4, whereineach of the first control lines extends in one direction, and comprisesa plurality of continuous projections and depressions in a planedirection.
 12. The touch detection device of claim 4, wherein each ofthe first control lines is formed in a wavelike shape.
 13. The touchdetection device of claim 9, wherein each of the first control lines isformed in a wavelike shape.
 14. The touch detection device of claim 1,wherein the first control lines include a power control line in thenon-detection area, and at least a part of the power control lineextends to intersect and overlap the second control lines at an angle.15. The touch detection device of claim 4, wherein the first controllines include a power control line in the non-detection area, and atleast a part of the power control line extends to intersect and overlapthe second control lines at an angle.
 16. The touch detection device ofclaim 1, wherein a line width of each of the first control lines is lessthan a width of each of the first detection electrodes and a line widthof each of the second control lines.
 17. The touch detection device ofclaim 4, wherein a line width of each of the first control lines is lessthan a width of each of the first detection electrodes and a line widthof each of the second control lines.
 18. A display device comprising: adisplay panel comprising a first substrate, the first substratecomprising a display area including a plurality of pixels and anon-display area; and a touch detection device at the display panel,wherein the touch detection device comprises: a plurality of drivingelectrodes arranged at intervals in a first direction in a detectionarea; a plurality of first control lines connected to the firstdetection electrodes, respectively, and provided in a non-detectionarea; and a plurality of second control lines provided in thenon-detection area and overlapping the first control lines at aplurality of positions as seen in a plan view, such that areas ofoverlapping portions in which the first control lines overlap the secondcontrol lines are substantially the same, wherein at least one group ofthe first control lines and the second control lines extends so as tointersect and overlap the other group of the first control lines and thesecond control lines at an angle other than 90 degrees in theoverlapping portions.
 19. The display device of claim 18, wherein eachof the second control lines is formed in a wavelike shape.
 20. Thedisplay device of claim 18, wherein the plurality of driving electrodesare formed of a plurality of detection electrodes, respectively.